Kindness in the face of adversity

November 9, 2016

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]‘The basis of the mind’s immune system is grief. Grief allows us to process incrementally what might be too shocking to the systems to have to process all at once’ – Marianne Williamson

Our community is grieving, whether we are ready to admit it or not. The increase in shark related incidents in our waters has significantly impacted our traditionally laid back, coastal lifestyle. A lifestyle intricately linked to our sense of home.
Making national and international news (Lighthouse Beach was recently branded Australia’s ‘fatal shore’ by Seven’s Sunday Night program) even our broader reputation has taken a hit.

Social media, which could be a useful outlet for expression and communication (important in healing grief), has become a battlefield. Sadly, online discussions on the complex and divisive topic have become the site of some of the most regular and vicious attacks seen.

Just as in life, it is important people choose wisely where they hang out, and even more so when under stress or grieving after trauma and loss.

And who isn’t on some level? On a larger scale our sense of home in this world is being challenged at unprecedented levels. You only have to watch the news to realise this.

The USA presidential election has been rife with horror, and now on our door step, heartbreaking tragedy at Dreamworld.

Something occurs when the ‘unimaginable’ happens close to us. The realization that unimaginable things can and do actually happen, can be distressing itself, as we grieve a perceived loss of safety in the world.

However, it can be helpful to remember these challenges are not new! Throughout history humans have faced and overcome tremendous suffering.
We are fortunate to live in a time where there is increased understanding about resilience and the brains capacity to heal itself. We also have access to countless resources offering hope and inspiration.

One of my current favorites is Marianne Williamson’s book ‘Tears to Triumph’. In which she encourages us to allow time for recovery from emotional wounds just like we would from physical ones.

In this day and age it’s not enough to just ensure people survive trauma and grief. Or even fully recover. They deserve to reach a place where they can actually THRIVE again.

And every choice we make (even comments online) either contributes or detracts from an environment that supports this.

Let’s cultivate a community renowned for it’s kindness in the face of adversity…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]